As essential a part as they are of our daily lives, it is no unknown knowledge that bathrooms are hotspots for germs to breed. The constant high-humidity environment and lack of proper ventilation does not help either. This is exactly why regular cleaning and occasional deep cleaning are equally important for these spaces. While regular cleaning helps keep germs at bay, making it usable and functional, deep cleaning addresses tougher dirt and grime accumulation that might have occurred over time. However, there are several spots that regular cleaning might neglect that can be hubs of dirt and germs, and require to be addressed during the deep cleaning. Here is a list of some such areas of the bathroom that are often overlooked during cleaning.
See also: Which spots to not miss while cleaning your kitchen?
Behind and under the toilet
As this area is hard to reach and often hidden from sight, it is common for dust, hair, grime and mould to accumulate here due to moisture. To reach this spot, you would need something long like a duster with a handle or a vacuum with a hose attachment. Use this to address loose debris. Next, spray a disinfectant cleaner or a vinegar-water solution on the area and let it sit for 5 – 10 minutes and wipe it off with a microfibre cloth. If there is stubborn grime, scrub it off with a toilet brush.
Shower door tracks and curtains
If you have a designated showering area, it is essential to pay attention to the partition that separates it from the rest of the bathroom. Tracks of sliding doors that separate the showering area are narrow and hard to see. Even if you have a temporary partition like curtains, they might not always show mildew either. This makes them prone to soap scum, mould, mildew and hard water stains. For narrow spaces lie shower tracks, you can use a paste of equal parts vinegar and baking soda and scrub the area thoroughly with an old toothbrush before rinsing with warm water and drying with a microfibre cloth. Dirty plastic curtains used in bathrooms can be cleaned by soaking in a tub of warm water and baking soda for 30 minutes and rinsing.
Exhaust fan and vents
Since these are placed so conveniently out of sight, we often don’t realize how much dust accumulates here in spite of using it several times a day. The accumulation of dust, lint and moisture creates the perfect environment for mould to thrive here. To avoid this, firstly turn off the power source and remove the vent cover. Next, address the loose dust using a vacuum cleaner and then wipe down the cover with warm, soapy water. If the buildup is heavier, scrub with an old toothbrush and dry before reattaching.
Faucet bases and handles
Metallic surfaces do not easily show water spots and grime as mineral deposits, soap scum and bacteria from frequent use blend with it. This can be gotten rid of by scrubbing with baking soda or vinegar with an old toothbrush. Hard water stains can be stubborn. For these, it is recommended to soak a paper towel in vinegar and wrap around the faucet for about 15 minutes before scrubbing. Do not forget to wipe dry with a microfibre cloth to prevent new water spots!
Light fixtures and switches
Since fixtures are placed above eye level, they often go unnoticed. Similarly, switches might also seem small and insignificant. However, these areas are hubs of dust, fingerprints and grime. Before cleaning them, make sure that the power is off at the source and let the fixtures cool down a little. Wipe them with a damp (not soaking wet, mind you!) cloth and a mild soap. For lightbulbs, use only the cloth or a duster without spraying directly on them.
Inside cabinets and drawers
Let’s be honest, Being conveniently hidden away from sight, we do not really bother cleaning inside drawers and cabinets unless there is a visible spill, do we? But that does not stop hair, dust and spills from old products that might not be visible from accumulating in these areas if not cleaned occasionally. Empty the cabinet or drawer completely and wipe down the entire surface area with warm soapy water or disinfectant spray. Decluttering is key, so make sure to discard any expired or unused products instead of letting them pile and needlessly take up space. To make future cleaning easier, you can even consider placing drawer liners.
Behind and under the sink
A dark, cramped area not directly visible, this spot is prone to mould accumulation due to exposure to leaks. The first step for cleaning this area involves removing any items stored under the sink and checking for leaks. If found, make sure to fix it before going on to clean up the area. Next, wipe down the pipes with a disinfectant spray and use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove dust and debris. Placing moisture-absorbing packs can help prevent future mould growth.
Toothbrush holder and soap dish
While we make sure to give proper care to our toothbrushes to keep them hygienic, their holders often go unnoticed. But we must not forget that the holder is as exposed to toothpaste residue, and bacteria and mould from trapped moisture as the toothbrush itself. Address this by removing the toothbrushes from the holder and spraying it with hot, soapy water and scrubbing inside with an old toothbrush. For added benefit, soak it in a mixture of vinegar and water for 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Soap dishes are also prone to scum and water accumulation that can be addressed by rinsing with warm water.
Baseboards and floor edges
The build up of dust, hair and moisture on the bathroom floor, especially in the edges or grout, does not easily come to notice unless it is not very heavy. The best way to clean the bathroom floor is by using a damp cloth to wipe the baseboards. A mixture of dish soap and water is effective on stubborn grime. To remove dust from the floor edges, simply vacuum along the area using a crevice tool.
Trash can
Emptying the trash can regularly is necessary, but not always enough. Spills, bacteria and odours make it important to thoroughly clean the trash can itself both inside and out. Firstly, take the trash can outdoors and rinse it with a hose. Scrub the inside with a mixture of baking soda and dish soap and rinse. Make sure it is completely dry before putting a new liner and starting to use it again. Here’s a pro tip: sprinkle baking soda at the bottom to absorb odours.
FAQs
Why do certain areas in the bathroom get overlooked during cleaning?
Since many areas in the bathroom are not easily visible or accessible and do not appear dirty at first glance, making them easy to miss.
How often should I clean these overlooked spots?
While faucet bases, toothbrush holders, soap dishes and floor edges should be cleaned weekly, most other areas can be cleaned biweekly or monthly.
What’s the best way to clean behind the toilet?
Since this area is hard to reach, it is recommended to use a long-handles brush or disposable cleaning wipes attached to a mop to clean here.
How do I prevent mould in shower tracks and vent fans?
Improve airflow in the vents by keeping the fan operational during showers and cleaning the vents monthly, and dry off shower tracks with a cloth after each use.
Why does my bathroom smell bad even after cleaning?
Lingering odours are a result of buildups in various spots in the bathroom and can be addressed by sprinkling baking soda.
What’s the easiest way to clean baseboards and floor edges?
Remove the loose dust first with a vacuum cleaner and then wipe with soapy water and a microfibre cloth.
How can I prevent my toothbrush holder from getting dirty quickly?
Rinse the holder daily and clean it weekly with dosh soap. Stor toothbrushes upright and spaced well apart.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
